Save to Pinterest A festive, wintry-themed grazing tray featuring a beautiful selection of cheeses, charcuterie, seasonal fruits, nuts, and sweet treats—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This grazing tray has become my go-to for festive parties because it offers something for everyone, including vegetarian options.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 150 g Brie cheese, sliced, 150 g aged Cheddar, cubed, 120 g blue cheese, crumbled, 100 g goat cheese, log sliced into rounds
- Charcuterie (optional for vegetarian version omit): 120 g prosciutto, 100 g salami, sliced, 100 g smoked turkey breast, sliced
- Seasonal Fruits: 1 cup red grapes, washed and halved, 1 cup green grapes, washed, 1 large pomegranate, seeded, 2 pears, sliced, 1 apple, sliced, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup dried apricots
- Nuts & Savory Snacks: 1/2 cup roasted almonds, 1/2 cup candied pecans, 1/2 cup pistachios (shelled), 1/2 cup marinated olives
- Sweet Treats: 100 g white chocolate bark, broken into pieces, 100 g dark chocolate squares, 1/2 cup mini meringues
- Crackers & Bread: 200 g assorted crackers, 1 small baguette, sliced, 1/2 cup breadsticks
- Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs, Edible flowers (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Choose a large wooden board or platter as your base.
- Step 2:
- Arrange cheese selections evenly around the board, spacing them apart for visual appeal.
- Step 3:
- Fold or roll charcuterie slices and place them in clusters beside cheeses (omit for vegetarian version).
- Step 4:
- Fill in spaces with fresh and dried fruits, fanning out slices for color and accessibility.
- Step 5:
- Add nuts, olives, and sweet treats in small piles or in decorative bowls.
- Step 6:
- Position crackers, baguette slices, and breadsticks in rows or stacks around the board edges.
- Step 7:
- Garnish with fresh rosemary and edible flowers for a wintery touch.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve (up to 1 hour in advance).
Save to Pinterest This tray always sparks joy at family holiday gatherings, bringing everyone together around the table to enjoy the variety of flavors.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter, Small bowls (for olives nuts or spreads), Cheese knives, Small tongs or forks
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheese chocolate), Tree nuts (almonds pecans pistachios), Gluten (crackers bread), Eggs (meringues possibly in some breads crackers). Meats are present (charcuterie) unless omitted. Always check labels for gluten nut or dairy cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~380, Total Fat: 22 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 13 g (per serving, based on 10 servings includes meat and cheese)
Save to Pinterest This Winter Wonderland Grazing Tray makes festive entertaining effortless and delicious every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cheeses are best for this grazing tray?
Soft Brie, aged Cheddar, crumbly blue cheese, and creamy goat cheese provide a balanced variety of textures and flavors.
- → Can this tray be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the charcuterie and increase cheese or add roasted vegetables to maintain variety.
- → How should fruits be prepared to keep fresh?
Wash and slice fruits like pears and apples just before serving; brushing with lemon juice slows browning.
- → What nuts work well on this tray?
Roasted almonds, candied pecans, and pistachios add crunch and complement the cheeses and fruits.
- → Is there a suggested beverage pairing?
A crisp white wine or light-bodied red pairs beautifully with the mix of cheeses, meats, and fruits.
- → How should the tray be arranged?
Distribute cheeses evenly, cluster meats, fan out fruit slices for color, and add nuts and sweets in small piles. Garnish with rosemary and edible flowers for a festive touch.